Germany calls for dialogue to solve Hong Kong tensions

BERLIN (AA) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday called for restraint and dialogue amid continued mass demonstrations in Hong Kong.

Speaking at a news conference in Berlin, Merkel underlined the importance of the Basic Law of 1997, which guarantees freedoms and the rule of law in Hong Kong.

“All efforts should be undertaken to avoid violence and to find the possibilities for a solution through dialogue,” she said.

Hong Kong, an autonomous region which has been under China’s control since 1997, since early June has witnessed unprecedented protests against the local government’s move to legalize extradition of suspects to mainland China, Macao, and Taiwan.

Protesters' calls have since swelled into larger pro-democracy demands.

China warned in late July that it may deploy armed forces to the region to quell the anti-government demonstrations.